US20150313357A1

US20150313357A1 - Shelving Units And Accessories

Info

Publication number: US20150313357A1
Application number: US14/601,191
Authority: US
Inventors: Dan A. David; Harry Randall Taylor; Shang Min Chow
Original assignee: SILVERACK LLC
Current assignee: SILVERACK LLC
Priority date: 2014-01-17
Filing date: 2015-01-20
Publication date: 2015-11-05

Abstract

Shelving units and accessories are disclosed that provide a secure storage of articles. One accessory is a wall having a panel and a bracket. The panel has horizontal rods and the bracket has a first and second aperture. The first and second apertures are sized and dimensioned to receive at least one horizontal rod. The bracket further includes a rivet for mounting the wall onto a storage unit. Another accessory is a container having a bracket with a hooked end portion. The hooked end portion is sized and dimensioned to receive a cross beam of the storage unit.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/928,490, filed Jan. 17, 2014, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. All extrinsic materials identified herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is shelving units with accessories that are repositionable and removable from the storage unit.

BACKGROUND

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
Storage racks and shelving units are commonly used to store a variety of different articles, such as tools and equipment in a garage (e.g., drills, brooms, shovels, extension cords, etc.), in an organized and readily accessible manner. Typical storage racks include a plurality of vertical posts connected by cross beams extending between the posts. Together, the vertical posts and cross beams define a frame configured to support a shelf panel for storing various articles.
The storage capacity of conventional storage racks is limited by the number of shelves, the height, width and length of the storage rack, and other factors. However, adding additional full length shelves may not accommodate taller articles stored on the shelves (i.e., taller articles may not permit additional full length shelves to be installed between two existing adjacent shelves), and storage racks having larger dimensions may not be idea where there is a space limitation.
Some efforts to overcome the lack of sufficient storage capacity of storage racks and shelving units include providing adjustable or removable shelves. This allows a user to change the height or width of the individual shelves in the storage racks to accommodate taller or wider items. Unfortunately, an increased storage capacity of one shelf requires a decreased storage capacity of at least one other shelf.
Other efforts provide extendable/retractable support units or cross beams that allow a user to increase a height or length of the overall storage rack. Unfortunately, this typically requires an increase of the height along the entire length of the storage rack, or an increase of the length along the entire height of the storage rack.
Thus, there is still a need for improved apparatuses, systems and methods that provide increased storage capacities for storage racks and shelving units.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which storage capacities can be increased to accommodate a plurality of articles in a safe and secure manner. One manner of improving storage units is by providing a wall to reduce the risk of articles falling from the storage unit. By reducing the chances that articles will fall from the storage unit, users can place more items within the storage unit comfortably since they are secured by the wall.
One embodiment of a wall for a storage unit has a panel and a bracket. The panel has a plurality of horizontal rods. The bracket has a first and a second aperture, wherein the first and second apertures are sized and dimensioned to receive at least one of the plurality of horizontal rods. The bracket further has a rivet that extends from a front side of the bracket. It should be appreciated that the rivet is typically sized and dimensioned to receive at least one opening of the storage unit to allow the attachment of the wall to the storage unit.
While one rivet can be used, it is contemplated that the wall can comprise a second rivet that extends from a front side of the bracket. In such embodiment, the rivet and the second rivet are sized and dimensioned to simultaneously receive a first opening and a second opening of the storage unit. Therefore, the bracket can attach to the storage unit in two locations to ensure that the wall is properly secured. The center points of the rivet and the second rivet are typically between 2 and 4 inches apart. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the rivets are circular, such that the rivets are sized and dimensioned to engage the opening of the storage unit.
The bracket comprises a top end and a bottom end. To form the first aperture, it is contemplated that the top end curls to a back side of the bracket, which forms a through hole. Similarly, the bottom end can curl to the back side of the bracket to form the second aperture.
In most typical embodiments, the panel comprises a first and a second horizontal rod. In such embodiments, the first and second apertures are sized and dimensioned to allow the first aperture to engage the first horizontal rod while the second aperture engages the second horizontal rod. The first and second horizontal rods are typically between 4 and 6 inches apart.
While only a single bracket is discussed above, it is contemplated that a second or more brackets can be used. A second bracket has a third and fourth aperture, wherein the third and fourth apertures are sized and dimensioned to receive at least one of the plurality of horizontal rods. Using a second bracket, it is contemplated that a first bracket is placed on one side of the panel and the second bracket is placed on the opposite side of the panel to maintain the wall on the storage unit.
Similarly, while a single panel is discussed above, it is contemplated that more panels can be included. For example, a second panel having a second plurality of horizontal rods can be used. The bracket is sized and dimensioned to simultaneously hold the first and second panel by receiving at least one of the plurality of horizontal rods of the first panel using the first aperture while also receiving at least one of the second plurality of horizontal rods of the second panel using the second aperture. Thus, the first and second panels can be attached via a bracket to create a longer wall.
Another manner of improving storage units is by providing a container for the storage unit. A storage system is provided comprising a storage rack and one or more containers. The storage rack can include one or more cross beams that are coupled to, and extend between, two vertical support posts (e.g., front-left post and front-right post, etc.). Each of the containers could include or be coupled with a bracket having a hooked end portion (e.g., a substantially U-shaped portion, or an L-shaped portion extending from the bracket, etc.) that is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of the cross beam.
Viewed from another perspective, the hooked end defines a gap that is larger than the thickness of a portion (e.g., a lip, a flange, etc.) of the cross beam it receives. In some preferred embodiments, the gap is no more than 50%, more preferably no more than 25% and even more preferably no more than 15% larger than the thickness of the lip or flange such that undesired movement of the container relative to the storage rack is prevented.
Additionally or alternatively, other stabilizing means can be provided. For example, the storage rack could comprise a shelf that is placed relative to the lip or flange of the cross beam such that the shelf prevents a rotation of the bracket and container relative to the cross beam.
In other aspects of the inventive subject matter, the storage rack could comprise a side wall that is coupled to and disposed between two vertical support posts (e.g., front-left and rear-left posts, etc.). The side wall could be a solid wall or can alternatively include a plurality of intersecting elongated members that define a plurality of attachment segments. The hooked end portions of the containers described herein can additionally or alternatively be sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of several of the attachment segments. In this manner, the containers can be removably coupled with different portions of the side wall as well as to one or more cross beams of the storage rack.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage unit.

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a vertical post having openings.

FIG. 3A is a close-up perspective view of a cross beam coupled to a vertical post.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the cross beam of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the cross beam of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage system having a wall, container, double hook and a handle hook.

FIG. 5A is a front view of an embodiment of a wall according to the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 5B is a front view of another embodiment of a wall according to the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the wall in FIG. 5A having the bracket removed from the panel.

FIG. 6B is a close up view of the bracket and panel assembly in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the wall in FIG. 5A attaching to a storage unit.

FIGS. 7A-C are a perspective view, a side view, and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of a bracket.

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a container of the inventive subject matter removably coupled with a storage unit cross beam.

FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the container of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A illustrates another embodiment of a container of the inventive subject matter removably coupled with a storage rack side wall.

FIGS. 9B and 9C are perspective views of the container of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 illustrates another container of the inventive subject matter.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate another container of the inventive subject matter that could be removably coupled with a storage rack to have multiple orientations.

FIGS. 12A-B illustrates some exemplary elongated members of the inventive subject matter.

FIGS. 13A-C are cross-sectional views of some exemplary brackets of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a container coupled with a cross beam of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a double hook removably coupled to a cross beam.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a handle hook removably coupled to a vertical post.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a bracket used for a handle hook and a double hook.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
The present inventive subject matter relates to storage units that have shelving accessories configured to be detachably connected to the storage unit. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a storage unit 100. Storage unit 100 has four vertical posts 101, 102, 103, and 104. Posts 101 and 102 are located on the front side of storage unit 100 and posts 103 and 104 are located on the rear side of storage unit 100. Posts 101 and 103 are located on the left side of storage unit 100 and posts 102 and 104 are located on the right side.
Cross beams 111 and 112 and coupled with, and extend between, posts 101 and 102. Cross beams 111 and 113 are located on the front side of storage unit 100. Two similar cross beams are located on the back side of storage unit 100 (opposite to cross beams 111 and 113, respectively). In addition, cross beams 113 and 114 are coupled with, and extend between, posts 101 and 103. Cross beams 113 and 114 are located on the left side of storage unit 100. Two similar cross beams are located on the right side of storage unit 100 (opposite to cross beams 113 and 114). The vertical posts and cross beams provide a frame for holding shelf panels 121 and 122. Together, the vertical posts, cross beams, and shelf panels define a storage space for storing objects.
FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a vertical post 301, which is similar to the vertical posts in FIG. 1. Vertical post 301 has a plurality of openings 305. Openings 305 have a wide end and a narrow end (e.g., a keyhole shape) for receiving an interlocking member (e.g., rivets, protrusions, male-engagements, etc.).
FIG. 3A shows a close-up view of a cross beam 303 removably coupled with vertical post 301. The left end of cross beam 303 has two rivets 307 and 308 (interlocking members) that slidably engage openings 305 on vertical post 301. More specifically, rivets 307 and 308 have a shaft portion and a head portion, the head portion having a larger dimension (e.g., diameter, width) than the stem portion. The head portion fits into the wide ends of openings 305 but do not fit through the narrow end of the openings 305. This interlocking engagement allows storage unit 100 to be assembled without the need for bolts and screws.
FIG. 3B shows a side view of cross beam 303. FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of cross beam 303. Cross beam 303 has a substantially Z-shaped cross-section with a lip 309 extending from the top of the Z. Lip 309 provides a clamping point for clamping or hanging accessories, as will be discussed in further detail below. The Z-shaped cross-section also has a ledge 310 for supporting shelf panels.
Boltless storage units are described in further detail in Applicant's prior patent applications, namely, U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,694, and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/802057, 14/223297, and 14/223622, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 4 shows a storage system 400. System 400 includes a storage unit 401 and various accessories: wall 502, container 910, double hook 1502, handle hook 1602, and post hook 430. Storage unit 401 is a boltless storage rack and is similar storage unit 100. The accessories are removable and repositionable with respect to storage unit 401, allowing for customization of the storage space. The various accessories will now be described in further details below.
FIG. 5A shows a wall 502, which could be a front wall, back wall, or side wall, that can be coupled to an opening of storage unit as described above. Wall 502 has a panel 504 with plurality of horizontal rods 506 (e.g., bars, elongated members, wires). As shown in FIG. 5A, panel 504 can be composed of a plurality of intersecting rods to form a wire mesh. It should be appreciated that the wire mesh prevents articles from falling through wall 502. While FIG. 5A shows vertical and horizontal rods forming uniform spacing, it is contemplated that the intersecting rods that form wire mesh can be at various angles and could have irregular spacing. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the panel 504 can be composed of a solid piece as shown in FIG. 5B. In this embodiment, small articles are prevented from falling through wall 502.
A bracket 508 having a rivet 510 is attached to panel 504 using a first and a second aperture (shown in later figures). Rivet 510 is typically sized and dimensioned to engage the opening of the storage unit. However, it is contemplated that rivet 510 can couple to an adapter, which engages the opening of the storage unit.
FIG. 6A shows that bracket 508 can be removed from panel 504. In this embodiment, bracket 508 can be slid from horizontal rods 506 to remove bracket 508. It is contemplated that bracket 508 can be repositioned at other places on panel 504 using other horizontal rods 506, thus providing greater customization. FIG. 6B shows a close up view of the engagement between bracket 508 and horizontal rods 506. Bracket 508 has a first aperture 512 and a second aperture 514, which are sized and dimensioned to receive at least one horizontal rod 506. In FIG. 6B, first aperture 512 and second aperture 514 are sized to receive a horizontal rod 506 of the same size. However, it is contemplated that first aperture 512 can be sized to receive a larger or smaller horizontal rod 506 than second aperture 514. In addition, first aperture 512 and second aperture 514 can be angled to receive horizontal rods 506 that may be angled.
First aperture 512 and second aperture 514 have through holes that receive a portion of horizontal rods 506. However, it is contemplated that at least one of first aperture 512 and second aperture 514 can be a recess or a cavity of sufficient depth to receive a portion of horizontal rod 506 to mount bracket 508 to panel 504. In addition, further contemplated embodiments include snap fittings and other mechanical fasteners that can be used to replace or in conjunction with first aperture 512 and second aperture 514.
Wall 502 can further include a second bracket 516 having a third and fourth aperture. It should be appreciated that the third and fourth aperture is typically the same design as the first aperture 512 and second aperture 514 of bracket 508 discussed herein. Therefore, the third and fourth apertures are sized and dimensioned to receive at least one of the horizontal rods 506. By providing second bracket 516, it should be appreciated that wall 502 can securely mounted on a storage unit using bracket 508 and second bracket 516 on each side of panel 504 as shown in FIG. 6A.
While FIG. 6A shows bracket 508 and second bracket 516 along the same horizontal rods 506, it is contemplated that the brackets can be positioned on different horizontal rods 506. In addition, the apertures of bracket 508 and second bracket 516 can be sized differently to allow them to engage different sized horizontal rods.
In typical embodiments, panel 504 comprises a first horizontal rod 518 and a second horizontal rod 520. Bracket 508 can engage both first horizontal rod 518 and second horizontal rod 520 at the same time. As shown in FIG. 6B, the first aperture 512 and the second aperture 514 are sized and dimensioned such that first aperture 512 engages first horizontal rod 518 while second aperture 514 engages second horizontal rod 520. The engagement between bracket 508 and horizontal rods 506 is typically a slideable coupling, but other mechanical fasteners can be used. The distance between first 518 and second horizontal rods 520 is typically between 4-6 inches apart, and more typically, between 4.5 and 5.5 inches apart, and most typically, 5 inches apart.
Once bracket 508 is removably coupled to panel 504, it is contemplated that wall 502 can be attached to a storage unit 522 using rivet 510 as shown in FIG. 6C. Rivet 510 is coupled to opening 524 of storage unit 522 to mount wall 502. Once wall 502 is mounted, it should be appreciated that articles stored in storage unit 522 are secured from falling where wall 502 is present. In this case, wall 502 is a side wall that prevents articles from falling down the sides of storage unit 522. However, in other contemplated embodiments, wall 502 can be mounted to the front or rear of storage unit 522.
It should be appreciated that wall 502 is removably coupled to storage unit 522. Thus, wall 502 can be repositioned along storage unit 522 using opening 524. Moreover, bracket 508 is removably coupled to horizontal rods of panel 504, such that bracket can also be repositioned along panel 504 to provide customization. Therefore, wall 502 can be modified to meet various configurations using the removable and adjustable bracket 508 to meet the demands needed for support unit 522.
For more details on bracket 508, FIG. 7A illustrates a close up perspective view. Bracket 508 comprises a top end 528 and a bottom end 530. Top end 528 curls to a back side 534 of bracket 508 to form first aperture 512. Similarly, bottom end 530 curls to back side 534 of bracket 508 to form second aperture 514. It is contemplated that bracket 508 is manufactured from a flat piece of material, such that top end 528 is curled to form first aperture 512 and bottom end 530 is curled to form second aperture 514. First aperture 512 and second aperture 514 can also be a separate piece that is attached to bracket 508. While first aperture 512 and second aperture 514 are shown as a through hole, it is contemplated that at least one of the apertures can be a recess or cavity (i.e., a structure that is not a through hole) of sufficient depth to removably couple to the horizontal rods of the panel or a mechanical fastener (e.g., a snapfit) can be used.
The cross section of first aperture 512 and second aperture 514 in FIG. 7B are shown to be circular. It should be appreciated that the cross section of the apertures typically matches the cross section of the horizontal rods of the panel to allow coupling via sliding. However, the cross sections do not need to match so long as the bracket can attach to panel.
FIG. 7B shows a second rivet 526 that extends from a front side 532 of bracket 508. In addition, rivet 510 also extends from front side 532 of bracket 508 as shown in the top view of bracket 508 in FIG. 7C. Indeed, rivet 510 and second rivet 526 extend from front side 532 of bracket 508, such that rivet 510 and second rivet 526 are used to engage openings on the storage unit. In typical embodiments, the center points of the rivet and the second rivet are between 2-4 inches apart, and more typically, between 2.8 and 3.2 inches apart, and most typically, 3 inches apart. Moreover, rivet 510 and second rivet 526 is typically circular, such that it is sized and dimensioned to engage the opening of the storage unit.
While the attachment of bracket 508 on a single panel has been described, it is contemplated that a second panel having a second plurality of horizontal rods can be removably coupled with bracket 508. Therefore, it should be appreciated that first aperture 512 can be sized and dimensioned to receive at least one horizontal rod from the first panel while second aperture 514 can be sized and dimensioned to receive at least one horizontal rod of the second panel. Thus, multiple walls can be interconnected to form an elongated wall suitable for storage units of various sizes.
FIG. 8A-8B illustrate an exemplary container that is removably coupled with a cross beam (a type of elongated member) of an existing unit. Cross beam 820 includes a plurality of rivets (4 as shown) that engage corresponding openings of the vertical support posts 805 and 810. While cross beam 820 is illustrated as a horizontally extending cross beam, it should be appreciated that the protrusions of cross beam 820 can engage with different openings of the vertical support posts to provide any desired angle between the vertical support posts 805, 810, and cross beam 820.
Container 830 includes two brackets 835 and 840, each of which comprises a hooked-end portion 850 that defines a gap or clearance (e.g., see gaps 1351 and 1352 in FIGS. 13A and 13B) sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of cross beam 820 (e.g., a lip, a flange, etc.) either by hanging or clamping onto a lip of cross beam 820. In some preferred embodiments, the gap is no more than 50%, more preferably no more than 25% and even more preferably no more than 15% larger than the thickness of the lip or flange such that undesired movement of the container relative to the storage rack is prevented. Additionally or alternatively, the brackets 835 and 840 can be adjustable such that a distance or gap between opposing arms of the hooked end portions can be increased or decreased to accommodate cross beams or other elongated members having different dimensions.
It should be appreciated that a hooked end portion (e.g., 850, etc.) of a container could have any suitable curved or bent shape. A preferred hook end shape is substantially U-shaped and includes substantially parallel surfaces or arms that are at least lcm in length, more preferably at least 2 cm in length. Substantially parallel surfaces include any two surfaces that when placed side by side have the same distance continuously between them within a 10% tolerance.
In FIG. 8A, container 830 is shown removably coupled to cross beam 820. It should be appreciated that container 830 can be slid along the length of cross beam 820 to adjust the position of container 830. Thus, container 830 is repositionable along cross beam 820.
As used herein, the term “container” is used broadly to include any device (e.g., box, basket, bag, pockets, tool bags, tool belts, etc.) that can be used to hold or transport objects. Such containers can have any suitable dimensions, but some preferred containers will have (1) a length that is shorter than the length of a side wall of the storage rack to which it is attached, and (2) a height that is no greater than the length. Some exemplary containers are shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 10, 11A and 11B and described below.
FIG. 9A illustrates a metal frame basket container 910 that is repositionable along various attachment segments (e.g., 928, etc.) of side wall 920 of storage rack 900. Storage rack 900 includes vertical support posts 930 and 930 to which side wall 920 is removably attached. Side wall 920 comprises a plurality of intersecting elongated members (e.g., 925A, 925B, etc.) that define a plurality of attachment segments (e.g., 928, etc.). As shown more clearly in FIGS. 9B-9C, container 910 includes brackets 914 and 916 having hooked end portions that are sized and dimensioned to receive at least portions of each of the attachment segments, including attachment segment 928. Thus, container 910 is advantageously repositionable with respect to side wall 920.
Referring to FIG. 9A, container 830 can be slid along the various attachment segments (e.g., 928, etc.) of side wall 920 to adjust the position of container 830 on side wall 920. Thus, container 830 is repositionable along side wall 920 as desired by a user.
FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative container 1000 of the inventive subject matter comprising a pocketed tool bag. Container 1000 is coupled to four brackets 1010, 1020, 1030 and 1040, each of which comprises a hooked end portion. It should be appreciated that each of the brackets could be coupled with any suitable portion of container 1000, and that the brackets could have hooked end portions with the same or different shapes or sizes. For example, brackets 1010 and 1020, which are coupled with a first side of container 1000, could have hooked end portions sized and dimensioned to receive a thin, cylindrical elongated member (e.g., elongated member 1200 of FIG. 12A), while brackets 1030 and 1040, which are coupled with a second side of container 1000, could have hooked end portions sized and dimensioned to receive a thicker rectangular rod (e.g., elongated member 1210 of FIG. 12B).
FIGS. 11A-B illustrate another contemplated container 1100 of the inventive subject matter that is advantageously repositionable with respect to both (1) a position on the storage rack, and (2) an orientation at a given position on the storage rack. Container 1100 includes a long side 1110 and a short side 1120, and is coupled with two brackets (e.g., bracket 1130, etc.), each of which have a first hooked end 1135 and a second hooked end 1140. Where it is desirable to have the long side 1110 align with a wall of a storage rack (e.g., to store magazines, books, etc.), first hooked end 1135 could be used to receive and engage with an elongated member of the storage rack. Alternatively, where it is desirable to have the short side 1120 align with a wall of a storage rack (e.g., to store shoes, etc.), second hooked end 1140 could be used to receive and engage with an elongated member of the storage rack.
FIGS. 12A-B illustrate contemplated elongated members. Referring to FIG. 12A, an elongated member 1200 can comprise of a cylindrical shape. Referring to FIG. 12B, elongated member 1210 can comprise of a rectangular shape. While a cylindrical and rectangular shape are disclosed, it is contemplated that other shapes can be used (e.g., triangular, hexagonal). Furthermore, FIGS. 13A-C illustrate different shapes and configurations for hooked ends of various brackets. FIG. 13A shows a bracket 1300 having a U-shaped hooked end 1310 with a first arm 1315A and a second arm 1315B, which are adjustable. The first arm 1315A is positioned onto an elongated member to mount bracket 1300. It is contemplated that bracket 1300 is suitable to removably couple elongated members that have a similar cross section as hooked end 1310, such as elongated member of FIG. 12A, or can removably couple with elongated members having a dissimilar cross section than hooked end 1310, such as elongated member of FIG. 12B. FIG. 13B shows a bracket 1320 having an L-shaped hooked end 1330. It is contemplated that a bracket 1330 can further have a hooked ends 1340, 1350 on each end as shown in FIG. 13C.
FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of container 1410 on cross beam 1400. Bracket 1420 of container 1410 has a hooked end 1425. Hooked end 1425 is positioned to engage lip 1405 of cross beam 1400 to mount container 1410. While there appears to be a gap within hooked end 1425 for lip 1405 to move, it is contemplated that hooked end 1425 can provide a smaller gap to provide a tight fit with lip 1405.
As discussed above, a side wall and a container can be used as shelving accessories to improve storage. However, other accessories are contemplated. For example, FIG. 15 shows a double hook 1502 removably coupled to cross beam 1500. It is contemplated that double hook 1602 can also be removably coupled to side wall as shown above. In another example, FIG. 16 shows a handle hook 1602 removably coupled to a cross beam 1600. Double hook 1502 and handle hook 1602 typically have a bracket 1700 with a hooked end 1702 and a rivet 1704 as shown in FIG. 17. It should be appreciated that hooked end 1702 can be removably coupled to elongated members, including a cross beam of a supporting unit and a horizontal rod of a wall.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . , and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wall for a storage unit having openings, comprising:

a panel having a plurality of horizontal rods;

a bracket having a first and a second aperture, wherein the first and second apertures are sized and dimensioned to receive at least one of the plurality of horizontal rods; and

wherein the bracket further comprises a rivet that extends from a front side of the bracket.

2. The wall of claim 1, further comprising a second rivet that extends from a front side of the bracket.

3. The wall of claim 2, wherein the rivet and the second rivet are sized and dimensioned to simultaneously receive a first opening and a second opening of the storage unit.

4. The wall of claim 2, wherein the center points of the rivet and the second rivet are between 2-4 inches apart.

5. The wall of claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a top end and a bottom end, and further wherein the top end curls to a back side of the bracket to form the first aperture and the bottom end curls to the back side of the bracket to form the second aperture.

6. The wall of claim 1, wherein the rivet is circular, such that the rivet is sized and dimensioned to engage the opening of the storage unit.

7. The wall of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a first and a second horizontal rod, and wherein the first and second apertures are sized and dimensioned to allow the first aperture to engage the first horizontal rod while the second aperture engages the second horizontal rod.

8. The wall of claim 7, wherein the first and second horizontal rods are between 4-6 inches apart.

9. The wall of claim 1, further comprising a second bracket having a third and fourth aperture, wherein the third and fourth apertures are sized and dimensioned to receive at least one of the plurality of horizontal rods.

10. The wall of claim 1, further comprising a second panel having a second plurality of horizontal rods, wherein the first aperture is sized and dimensioned to receive at least one of the plurality of horizontal rods while the second aperture is sized and dimensioned to receive at least one of the second plurality of horizontal rods.

11. A storage system, comprising:

a storage rack having at least a first, second and third vertical support post, each vertical support post having a plurality of openings, and a first cross beam coupled to and disposed between the first and second vertical support posts;

a container coupled with a first bracket having a hooked end portion; and

wherein the first hooked end portion is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of the first cross beam.

12. The storage system of claim 11, wherein the storage rack further comprises a first shelf having a first side surface, and wherein a placement of the first shelf relative to the first cross beam prevents a rotation of the first hanger relative to the first cross beam.

13. The storage system of claim 11, wherein the container comprises an open-top basket.

14. The storage system of claim 13, wherein the open-top basket is made of a metal material.

15. The storage system of claim 13, wherein the open-top basket comprises a wire mesh material.

16. The storage system of claim 11, wherein the container is further coupled with a second bracket having at least one hooked end portion.

17. The storage system of claim 11, wherein the first cross beam has a substantially Z-shaped cross section and comprises a lip.

18. The storage system of claim 11, wherein the storage rack further comprises a side wall coupled to and disposed between the first and third vertical support posts, and wherein the side wall comprises a plurality of intersecting elongated members.

19. The storage system of claim 18, wherein the first hooked end is further sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of at least one of the plurality of intersecting elongated members.

20. The storage system of claim 11, wherein the first bracket comprises a first arm and a second arm disposed on opposing sides of the hooked end portion, and wherein a distance between the first arm and the second arm is adjustable.